Earlier this week the Senate voted out their version of the Appropriations Bill and sent it to the House for consideration. The bill will likely be referred to a Conference Committee for resolution later this month.
Other bills of interest which have been voted out of committee recently include –
HB 114 – prohibits the issuance of Capital Appreciation Bonds (CAB’s) with maturities greater than 20 years and limits the total percentage of CAB’s allowed in a District’s debt portfolio to 25 percent
HB 506 – permits districts that are designated as fast growth districts to exceed the 50¢ debt tax rate limitation after meeting certain criteria
HB 1305 – amends the requirement for districts to offer a breakfast program under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and allows districts to develop a locally funded school breakfast program
SB 66 – requires training of District personnel in the use of epi-pens and requires one or more trained personnel to be present at school sanctioned events.
Yesterday, the House Public Education Committee met in a marathon session to consider a number of bills including
HB 1475 – extends the telecommunications discount set to expire in 2016 through 2023
HB 1759 – amends the school finance formula by repealing Chapters 41, 42, and 46 of the Education Code. The proposed formula would increase the basic allotment; repeal the Cost of Education Index and transportation formula; and, phase out the mid-sized schools adjustment.
HB 2451 – requires school districts to maintain an undesignated fund balance equal to 90 days of operating expenses.
HB 3562 – requires districts to establish a grace period for students who have exhausted their lunch accounts on deposit so that the student receives a reimbursable meal
If you have any questions on any of the above bills or other pending legislation, please do not hesitate to contact tracyg@tasbo.org.